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    Varsity Theatre

    3.5 (73 reviews)

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    Richard P.

    I wouldn't be a film critic (and I am) if I didn't spend at least part of my vacation checking out area movie theaters. While there was an AMC Theatre not far from my hotel, an older and more historic place like Varsity Theatre is much more to my liking. As a wheelchair user, first of all, I'll acknowledge that accessibility is not perfect here. From what I've read, Varsity started off life as a one-theatre operation in 1940 and was expanded to three screens in the 1980s. Around 2015, additional updates included going from 35mm to digital and adding digital surround sound. They also have 3D capabilities and reportedly offer 3D without the usual upcharge. They've also improved the concessions area. The main theatre is on the ground floor. There's an elevator, admittedly a somewhat suspect one, that takes you up to where they have the other two theatres. They offer free parking, a Seattle rarity, all weekend and after 6pm on weekdays. They have the traditional marquee (I love these!) and there's definitely a more traditional theatre vibe here. This is not the fanciest theatre you'll see and, yes, you'll probably get a higher quality viewing over at the AMC. Who cares? It's my understanding that this area was hit hard during the 2020 protests and there's definitely graffiti above the marquee that is not in most of the photos of the theatre. I have no idea if the inside was impacted, though my impression from checking out the other photos is that there was some impact. That said, what remains is quite the beauty. It's my understanding they screen a combination of wide-release and lesser known titles. During the week I was in Seattle for my goddaughter's wedding, they were screening three more widely known titles. They are, of course, following CDC protocols as is required. The theatre is comfortable, temperature is good, seating is fine, and there are some accessibility options even if they may not be what I'd consider fully accessible. Overall, if all you care about is the biggest and best this is probably not for you. However, if you're a true film lover and a lover of film history then a stop at Varsity on "The Avenue" in the University District should be considered an obligation. Varsity is owned by Bainbridge Island based Faraway Entertainment, a local operation with several screens in the area. I definitely give it a thumbs up and am glad I visited.

    BUG BITES FROM THIS MOVIE THEATER.

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    8 months ago

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    2 years ago

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    9 months ago

    Terrible customer service. 9pm shift Friday night August 10th refused service to group of 10 kids.

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    Janet M.

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    5 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Exactly what I want in a movie theater, great atmosphere, great experience, great popcorn

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    Janet M.

    Thank you for your great review. We appreciate your patronage.

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    1 year ago

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    5 years ago

    My OfferUp 30in. Samsung TV has a better sound system than this theater. Anyway Kong v Godzilla was coo.

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    Ask the Community - Varsity Theatre

    Is it wheelchair accessible?

    I do not use a wheelchair, so take this answer with a grain of salt. The Varsity has three screens. One is on the ground floor and should be accessible with a wheelchair, as long as it's not too wide. The other two screens are on an upper floor,… Read more

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    3.5(482 reviews)
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    A short 15 min drive from downtown Seattle, this theater has plenty of easy underground parking…read morewhich is shared with the entire little courtyard of businesses there. You have option of waiting for tickets from cashier outside or heading indoors to one automated kiosk. There are a few floors with escalators amd stairs or one elevator. This time I used elevator since the escalators were turned off and I needed the top floor. The screen is HUGE. I found that sitting in upper deck in front wasn't far back enough and prefer back and center to get the full view of the picture. Sound is very loud during previews and ads but quiets a bit for the film, which I was glad of. Seats are comfortable enough but they don't recline or have foot rests like many do now days. I didn't try to concessions bit they are huge and on each floor.

    I love this theater. It's a big and clean theater with chill staff. I enjoy the free parking garage…read moreand how it doesn't ever get too crowded here. One of my go to theaters. I've seen so many movies here and the screens and sound are always good. One thing to note is that they do not have recliners though if you're looking for that. Last time I was here I talked with customer service to report a suspicious person...I usually don't do that but felt I needed to speak with a team member. The woman at customer service took the safety concern very serious and was extremely helpful and kind. I appreciate the staff here for always making the moment right. That day a staff member also helped me at the concessions with a free popcorn since we couldn't locate it in my app which was highly appreciated. The staff do a great job here! I will definitely be returning and do recommend this theater for a relaxed movie experience :)

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    IPIC Redmond - IPIC Theaters pod seating at  Redmond Washington State.

    IPIC Redmond

    3.4(968 reviews)
    9.0 mi
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    My daughter recently moved to Redmond, so we've made a habit of going to movies at IPIC. Super…read morecomfy recliners in "pods" of 2, with a place to put your purse, a cup holder for your drink, and a table for your food. There is a button you can push to call a server, but I've never had to do that as someone usually greets us shortly after we sit down. From what we've tried on the menu, I can recommend the quesadilla, the mac n cheese, the grilled cheese, and the fried chicken. The fries are really good. I've tried several cocktails and the mule is one of my favorites. The servers have always been really pleasant. One time a drink was not delivered that I had ordered but they didn't charge me for it without me having to ask. This movie venue isn't cheap. Tickets are $20 and the food menu isn't discount. The food is pretty good, and when I compare to what I'd pay for dinner and a movie elsewhere, IPIC comes out in that range. Note that they do add an automatic 18% service charge to the bill which isn't boldly stated. I was glad I saw that in another review and thought to look for it myself. The screen and sound are good. My daughter and I like our fun nights out here and will keep returning.

    We had nachos at the bar before the movie and they were large and tasty except for large scoop of…read morebrown guacamole... maybe just leave it off? Dont scoop it onto my nachos. The person that checked us in to get our tickets was rude. We were asked if it was our first time at the theater I said I've been here before but it was my friends first time. The ticket attendant then said that I can give my friend the run down. Idk what run down she's talking about but her delivery was extremely rude. We just wanted our tickets and everything else she said was rude and unnecessary. The seats were comfy but the blankets were rough. I ordered a coffee and it was nice and hot. The waiter checked in on us a few times during the movie The movie was fun

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    IPIC Redmond
    IPIC Redmond

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    Varsity Theatre - movietheaters - Updated May 2026

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